I hope this topic is appropriate for this board.  It doesn't have anything to do with hair or beauty.  But I was wondering about pen names.  I've been getting more serious about my writing and if I was to ever attempt to publish anything I wouldn't want to use my real name.  What are reasons that people use pen names and how are they generally chosen?

I think pen names were originaly chosen to conceal the writer's true identity, and women writers chose male names because of their standing in society that would prohibit their success.  I have no idea about how you would choose a pen name.  Have you googled it?

I haven't published anything, but I have a pen name I would use if I ever do try to get published. I don't really want people to know what I wrote so that's why I would use a pen name.

As for choosing one, you could pick a name that has a special meaning to you or a name you wish you had. My pen name is taken from a name of a city I really like and the last name of a character I've fiddled around with for the past 10 years.

I use two pen names. One is Roadrat and the other Recluse. I'll probably stick with one if I ever publish my novels or collection of short stories.

For tax purposes, do I have to file a tax return as Roadrat or Recluse if I ever make royalties?  :o

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v311/rodent/h05-2.jpg
A rather odd hair ornament I submitted to a fashion design site. Uses two scruchies and plastic flowers and leaves.

Very cool hair style, Sir Rat!

As for your tax return...... you can always put your occupation as Long Hair Fashion Designer!   ;D  

I love the hairstyle Rodent, very nice :)
I'm going to try it once my hair gets at least waist length- thats five more inches :-/